Getting accommodations such as extra time is not so easy— especially for the LSAT, MCAT and Bar Exams. Years ago, a neuropsychologist could simply write a letter and extra time would be approved. These days it is much more difficult. Evaluations based on historical documentation and extensive testing regarding your learning disability are required for approval for extra time.

A variety of options are available for ADD/ADHD evaluations. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder involves problems such as being distractible, forgetting day-to-day tasks, being disorganized, not completing projects, being late to appointments, etc. Those who are the hyperactive-impulsive types may interrupt people, fidget with their hands and feet, experience feelings of restlessness, and have trouble waiting in lines.

The Brain Clinic offers brief and full learning disability (LD) and dyslexia evaluations. A learning disability means that some learning function such as reading, writing or math is significantly below average in the context of an average intelligence level.

Neuropsychological evaluations are used to determine the severity of medical disorders such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, early dementia and learning disorders. They compare an individual’s overall abilities to specific areas of functioning to see if and where any problems exist. Additionally, by comparing intelligence to achievement tests in reading, writing and math, one can determine if learning problems are present in one or more of these areas. In order to get accommodations for a learning disability at school or for standardized tests (i.e. SAT), a full evaluation is necessary. It is beneficial to have testing done early in life in case accommodations are necessary for high-stakes tests such as the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT later in life.

Forensic Assessments

Preparing assessments for legal situations is more demanding than for the usual clinical case, and it must be handled differently. In a sense, the evaluations for forensic evaluations are similar to extended time evaluations because these assessments are examined by officials of the legal system with the idea in mind that you must be able to prove that you have a disability. In addition, legal officials must consider whether the test taker is malingering, or putting forth their best effort during the testing sessions. These types of evaluations include a thorough review of history and supporting documentation.